FAQ

Abashiri Prison Museum preserves and exhibits historic buildings relocated from the former Abashiri Prison.

The museum is designed to help visitors learn about the history and daily life of the time, and visitors of all ages, including families, come to explore the site.

Yes, children are welcome to visit.

The museum grounds are spacious and mainly consist of outdoor exhibits, and many families enjoy exploring the site together.

Some exhibits recreate historical prison life, but the museum as a whole is intended as a place to learn about history and culture.

No, they are different facilities.

The current Abashiri Prison is an active correctional facility located elsewhere.

Abashiri Prison Museum preserves and exhibits historic prison buildings in order to share the history and daily life of the former prison.

Visitors can tour the museum facilities, not the current prison.

Yes. The current Abashiri Prison is still operating at a different location from the museum.

Abashiri Prison Museum preserves and exhibits buildings from the former prison in order to share its history and historical environment with visitors.

Abashiri Prison became widely known because of its historical role during the development of Hokkaido in the Meiji era.

Prisoners were forced to work under severe conditions on large-scale projects such as road construction.

Today, the museum preserves this history and introduces visitors to the lives and environment of that time.

A short visit usually takes about one hour, while a more thorough visit takes around two hours.

The museum grounds are large, and visitors explore the site by walking between multiple historic buildings.

Meals are available at the Prison Cafeteria inside the museum grounds.

Visitors can enjoy unique dishes such as the recreated ‘Prison Meal,’ based on recipes actually served in Japanese prisons.

Opening hours are 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30). Please note that seasonal closures may apply.

Various discount programs are available.

Discounted admission is offered for groups, visitors with disability certificates, and residents of Abashiri City.

Please check the admission information page for details.

The museum can be reached from Abashiri Station by local bus or taxi.

Buses from Memanbetsu Airport operate to JR Abashiri Station. To reach the museum, please transfer to a local bus at JR Abashiri Station. There is no direct bus service from the airport to the museum.

Please check transportation information in advance, as visitors need to walk from the nearest bus stop to the museum entrance.

Visitors can follow the suggested route through the museum grounds, making it easy for first-time visitors to explore the site.

Maps and guidance are available at the entrance reception area.

The ‘Prison Meal’ is a recreated menu based on meals that were actually served in Japanese prisons.

It is available at the Prison Cafeteria and is one of the museum’s most popular experiences.

Yes, the museum can be visited on rainy days.

As the museum mainly consists of outdoor exhibits, visitors are advised to take care when walking in wet conditions.

Umbrellas are available for rent during the summer season only, subject to availability. Rentals may be suspended during strong winds.

Pets and small animals are not permitted inside the museum. However, assistance dogs such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs are allowed.

Yes. Re-entry is permitted on the same day by presenting your admission ticket at the entrance.

Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire premises, including the parking areas.

Coin lockers are available near the entrance reception counter for luggage up to carry-on size.

Guided tours are not currently available. Instead, VR content is provided, allowing visitors to view explanations of the facilities using their smartphones.

Air conditioning is available in the History Museum and the Prison Cafeteria.

Umbrellas are available for rent during the summer season only, subject to availability.

Approximately 2 hours for a thorough visit, or about 1 hour for a shorter visit.

Multiple restrooms are available, including accessible restrooms, diaper-changing tables, baby chairs, and child-sized urinals.

The museum is closed on December 31 and January 1. It is open on other days, but some areas may be closed due to weather conditions as this is an outdoor museum.

Cash, credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted.

Museum Shop: 9:00–17:00 Souvenir Hall: 9:30–16:30 (hours may vary by season)

Please use the City Tourist Loop Bus.

Please use the City Tourist Loop Bus.

Please use the Memanbetsu Airport Bus. The nearest stop is "Tentozan Iriguchi" on National Route 39.

Meals are available at the Prison Cafeteria. Hours: 11:00–15:00

Please use the gazebo near the entrance or the café area inside the main building. Please take your trash with you.